MANILA — The relatives of a Filipina domestic helper who died of suffocation in Kuwait, and had her cadaver mixed-up when it arrived in the country last January 10, are seeking justice. 

In an interview on Friday, daughters of Jenny Alvarado confirmed that the remains that arrived Thursday night were indeed that of their mother's, based on markings on her body.

”Siya na po, nakita rin po namin yung peklat niya lahat,” Angel Alvarado told the media.

The younger Alvarado believes there was a foul play that led to their mother’s death. She vowed to fight for justice.

”Nakikita naman po sa katawan is may foul play po talaga, sa bandang tuhod, sa braso, sa kamay, sa likod, Ilalaban ko po siya, managot ang dapat manaagot, idiin ang dapat idiin,” Alvarado said.

Nathania Fernandez, the elder daughter of Jenny, still feels the pain of having her mother’s cadaver mixed-up with another person.

”Hindi po okay, kahit sino naman po pag hinatiran ka ng ibang bangkay at hindi ang nanay mo, magagalit ka,” Fernandez said.

On Friday, agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) conducted an autopsy on the remains. Results will be released in the next few days, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Hans Leo Cacdac said.

In a press conference on Friday in Manila, Cacdac said the agency is also studying the possibility of taking legal action against the employer of Alvarado if necessary.  

“Inaantabayanan na lang natin ang mga dalubhasa ng NBI sa autopsy at sinabi ko rin sa pamilya na yung police report, inaantabayanan din natin sa Kuwait at of course pinasusuri na rin natin sa Kuwaiti lawyer natin on the ground, with a view to taking legal action kapag ang finding under Kuwaiti law ay may liability ng employer,” he said.

“Yung wrongful repatriation as soon as possible, today is Friday, maybe next week mayroon na tayong karampatang aksyon. Mayron nang instruction sa labor atache, we met yesterday, to already send the necessary letter of demand,” according to Cacdac.  

The DMW is also looking into a possible deployment ban in Kuwait.

“Sa ngayon we're looking at the matter, one of the things we're looking at is yung effectivity, efficacy nung apat na restrictions that I named. Yung hindi pwede first timers, white listing of agencies, pre-departure briefings and the monitoring side,” according to Cacdac.

According to DMW, there are ongoing programs to ensure that OFWs are protected.

“In place deferment of deployment of newly hired workers, for example first timers . Sa panahon ko nagdagdag pa dyan, dagdag restrictions na hindi pwedeng first timer lalo sa DH (domestic helpers),” Cacdac said.

“Una naglagay tayo white listing sa Kuwaiti recruiters, only those with good records ang pwedeng mag recruit for Kuwait. Pangalawa, lahat ng bago madeploy na kasambahay pinapatawag natin sa DMW and we conduct a pre-departure briefing, kung saan we tell them the perils of overseas employment, mechanisms saan sila tatakbo kung kailangan ng tulong,” Cacdac told the media.

Alvarado's family said her remains will be brought to their home in Montalban, Rizal.